At the Ballet

The 47th Annual Production of

The Nutcracker

If the music sounds sweeter than sugarplums, the dancers seem lighter than air, and the snowflakes sparkle more brightly than ever before, you’re not dreaming. After all, experiencing the 47th annual production of Austin's holiday tradition is sure to be an exceptionally festive feast for the senses. Ballet Austin’s production of The Nutcracker is Texas’ longest running production of this classic and with a different “celebrity” playing the role of Mother Ginger in each performance, every show guarantees an extra bit of memory-making merriment.

Choreography by Stephen Mills
Music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky

Musical Accompaniment by The Austin Symphony Orchestra

Upcoming Events

• The Bach Project – Feb 12-14, 2010
• New American Talent/Dance – Mar 25-Apr 4, 2010
• Coppelia – May 7-9, 2010

The Nutcracker iMix

Ballet History

The Nutcracker ballet is based on the book called "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written by E.T.A. Hoffman.

In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for The Nutcracker ballet.

In 1892, the first showing of the Nutcracker took place at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet.

The Nutcracker made its way to Western Europe in the 1930's and to America by 1940, performed by Ballet Russe. The first American full length Nutcracker was performed by the San Francisco Ballet, choreographed by W. Christensen. The Nutcracker has since become an annual Holiday tradition.

A selection of eight of the more popular numbers from the ballet was made by the composer, forming The Nutcracker Suite, designed for concert performance. The titles of the ballet (simply The Nutcracker) and the suite (The Nutcracker Suite) are frequently confused.

The version that Ballet Austin puts on stage is a variation of the original that was choreographed by Stephen Mills.

Musical Notes

Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker - Music by Tchaikovsky

Act I

• Overture
  
• The Christmas Tree
  
• March
  
• Journey Through the Snow
  
• Waltz of the Snowflakes

Act II

• Chocolate (The Spanish Dance)
  
• Coffee (The Arabian Dance)
  
• Tea (The Chinese Dance)
  
• Trepak (The Russion Dance)
  
• Dance of the Mirlitons
  
• Mother Ginger and the Clowns
  
• Waltz of the Flowers
  
• Pas de Deux
  
• Tarantella
  
• Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
  
• Coda

Production Photos

Click image for larger version

The Nutcracker Interactive